Meeting the Needs of Gifted Learners

One of the most interesting and challenging groups of students to teach in the regular education setting is the gifted learner. With a Masters degree in gifted and talented education, I have researched several methods of instruction for gifted learners. I have compiled a list of resources and tips for educators that provide instruction for this diverse group of students.

One of the first recommendations I would like to make is reading the book, Genius Denied, by Jan and Bob Davidson. The authors of this book outline that fact that America is failing some of its brightest learners as students are forced to relearn information they already know year after year. It also explains what this dilemma can mean for the gifted learner in the way of underachievement, frustration, failure, and even depression.

The Davidsonâs web sight is a great resource for teaches, parents, and students. I especially like that the site provides information on gifted policy for every state. Here is the URL:

Here are some of the easiest things to do to meet the needs of gifted learners in your classroom:

1. Always give a pre-test to determine mastery in all subjects. I generally use 90 percent as my cut off for mastery. If mastery is indicated, I challenge the student on the material at a much deeper level.

2. Compact material so your gifted learner can move at a faster pace.

3. Permit time for these students to pursue topics that they are interested in, they have a habit of becoming experts on concepts and topics if given the chance.

4. DO NOT use them as peer tutors. This is wasting time they could be learning something new just like their peers.

5. Meet with them and set goals, both academic and personal.

6. Use themes in your classroom like systems, conflicts, or powers. These spread across content areas and can be powerful if implemented correctly.

7. Allow gifted learners to work on long term projects. Many are so thorough in their research, you wonât be disappointed with the results.

One of the most interesting and challenging groups of students to teach in the regular education setting is the gifted learner. With a Masters degree in gifted and talented education, I have researched several methods of instruction for gifted learners. I have compiled a list of resources and tips for educators that provide instruction for this diverse group of students.

One of the first recommendations I would like to make is reading the book, Genius Denied, by Jan and Bob Davidson. The authors of this book outline that fact that America is failing some of its brightest learners as students are forced to relearn information they already know year after year. It also explains what this dilemma can mean for the gifted learner in the way of underachievement, frustration, failure, and even depression.

The Davidsonâs web sight is a great resource for teaches, parents, and students. I especially like that the site provides information on gifted policy for every state. Here is the URL:

Here are some of the easiest things to do to meet the needs of gifted learners in your classroom:

1. Always give a pre-test to determine mastery in all subjects. I generally use 90 percent as my cut off for mastery. If mastery is indicated, I challenge the student on the material at a much deeper level.

2. Compact material so your gifted learner can move at a faster pace.

3. Permit time for these students to pursue topics that they are interested in, they have a habit of becoming experts on concepts and topics if given the chance.

4. DO NOT use them as peer tutors. This is wasting time they could be learning something new just like their peers.

5. Meet with them and set goals, both academic and personal.

6. Use themes in your classroom like systems, conflicts, or powers. These spread across content areas and can be powerful if implemented correctly.

7. Allow gifted learners to work on long term projects. Many are so thorough in their research, you wonât be disappointed with the results.

Grab the attention of digital natives by speaking their language. Explore ways to reach these students by creating "unboxing" videos to introduce a topic or check for understanding across all content areas.